Comparing Different Versions of a Document

Word’s Track Changes feature is essential for those collaborating on documents. It highlights the changes you’ve made to the document so that they’re readily apparent to others. Changes can then be accepted or rejected on an individual basis.

There’s just one problem with the Track Changes feature. You must remember to activate Track Changes before you start working on a document. Otherwise, your changes aren’t tracked.

Fortunately, though, you can highlight changes made to a document after the fact with Word’s Compare feature. That is, provided you have two copies of the document. First, you need an original copy of the document. Then, you need the version with your edits.

Once you have these documents, you’re ready to get started. Just follow these simple steps:

1. Open the Review Ribbon

2. In the Compare section, click Compare>>Compare

3. In the box that opens, use the dropdown box to select your original document. Use the Browse feature to search for more documents

4. Use the other dropdown box to select the altered document. Again, use the Browse feature if necessary. 5. You can select how you would like the changes marked.

6. Click OK.

You’ll see both versions of your document. You’ll also see a third version with the changes highlighted. To save a copy of the document with the changes highlighted, select the document and press F12. Name your document and click Save.